Experience the Unique Live Cutting of Fresh Bonito at Bushimaru in Shinjuku

Experience the Unique Live Cutting of Fresh Bonito at Bushimaru

In the vibrant heart of Shinjuku, at the basement level of the Kinokuniya bookstore, lies a gem of a restaurant called Bushimaru. This establishment was recently featured on the TBS program N Star aired on June 19, 2026. Viewers were introduced to the unique and captivating experience of nama-katsuo, or freshly shaved bonito, which is a hallmark of Bushimaru's culinary offerings.

The dish highlighted during the show, known as the Nama Katsuobushi Gohan (Freshly Shaved Bonito Meal), invites diners to enjoy katsuobushi shaved to an astonishing thinness of just 0.01 mm right before their eyes. This process not only defines the freshness of the bonito but also provides an engaging visual aspect that adds to the overall dining experience.

Bushimaru describes its katsuobushi as nama-katsuo, emphasizing both its fresh ingredients and the theatrical element of watching it being shaved in real-time. The freshly shaved bonito is known for its ideal moisture and oil content, presenting a delectably delicate texture, scent, and taste that can be experienced only when it is freshly prepared.

The Exquisite Nama Katsuobushi Gohan

The featured menu item, the Nama Katsuobushi Gohan, costs 1,600 JPY (including tax) and offers a well-rounded meal. Each dish is served with freshly shaved bonito piled generously over a bowl of rice, accompanied by miso soup, pickles, and a luxurious fresh egg known as Yumeou, acclaimed as the finest in Japan at a National Egg Over Rice competition.

Diners can enjoy the harmonious combination of flavors by experiencing the tantalizing aroma of the bonito together with the richness of the Yumeou egg and the subtle sweetness of rice. One might first indulge in the pure melt-in-your-mouth experience of the shaved bonito, then transition to savoring the egg over rice—this versatility allows for numerous delightful ways to enjoy the meal.

Media Opportunities for Experience and Coverage

In addition to providing a unique culinary experience to patrons, Bushimaru invites media representatives to witness and capture the live shaving process, the delicate presentation of the bonitos, as well as various ways to enjoy the Nama Katsuobushi Gohan and other offerings. This opportunity allows media professionals to delve deeper into aspects of texture, aroma, and taste that mere words and photographs might struggle to convey.

For media inquiries, tasting sessions, and photo opportunities, Bushimaru is more than willing to accommodate quick sessions for filming, tasting, and discussing the product. It’s the perfect setting for culinary journalists, food bloggers, and television programs seeking to portray a unique dining experience around food culture.

Menu Information

- Item Name: Nama Katsuobushi Gohan
- Price: 1,600 JPY (tax inc.)
- Contents: Freshly shaved bonito, rice, miso soup, pickles, and the luxury Yumeou egg
- Location: Bushimaru Kinokuniya Main Store